On 14 January the whole old city takes to the rooftops for kite flying, with competitions and shops selling manja and kites in the weeks before.
Makar Sankranti, usually 14 January, is Jaipur's biggest kite day. The sky over the walled city fills from morning with competing flyers, and the bazaars around Chandpole and Sanganeri Gate sell kites, glass-coated thread and tilgud sweets. Visitors can buy kites for a few hundred rupees and join from a hotel rooftop or the roof of a haveli that organises kite-flying events. Glass-coated thread injures birds and riders, so cotton thread is a safer choice, and motorcyclists should avoid crowded lanes. Event dates and a small number of organised festivals vary by year.
| Price | ₹200-1,000 (approx $2.08-10 USD) |
|---|---|
| Duration | A full day |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Season | January |
| Address | Old City rooftops, Chandpole Bazaar area, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302001, India |
Activity facts
- Where
- Rooftops of the old city and open grounds across Jaipur
Equipment
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Cotton thread
- Sunglasses
Location
Old City rooftops, Chandpole Bazaar area, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302001, India
26.9230, 75.8160 View on map
Highlights
- Whole-city rooftop festival on 14 January
- Kite and thread shops in the old city
- Tilgud sweets and festival food
- Hotel and haveli rooftop events
Tips for visiting
- Choose cotton thread, not glass-coated manja
- Wear a hat and sunscreen for the long day on a rooftop
- Beware low-flying thread when riding two-wheelers
- Book rooftop events well in advance
When to visit
14 January, all day
Accessibility
Rooftop access involves stairs; not suitable for wheelchair users.
Frequently asked questions
When is kite day?
Makar Sankranti, usually 14 January.
Can visitors join?
Yes, from hotel rooftops or by buying kites in the old city.
Is it safe?
Take care around glass-coated thread; cotton thread is safer.